Folk Stories from Southern Nigeria, West Africa

A lively chorus of voices from the villages of Southern Nigeria fills this collection, where tortoises, leopards, owls and clever humans swap roles in tales that sparkle with wit and wonder. Listeners are drawn into a world where a king’s impossible decree sets a brave daughter’s fate in motion, a hunter bargains with forest friends for a hidden treasure, and a mischievous bat learns why night belongs to it. Each story is seasoned with local customs, vibrant folklore and the timeless humor that emerges when animals speak like people.

Beyond the enchanting plots, the tales offer a window into the region’s values, from respect for cleverness and community to cautionary notes on pride and greed. The narratives flow with a rhythm that feels both ancient and immediate, inviting anyone who loves a good fable to hear the pulse of a culture whose stories have been passed down around firelight for generations.